Cause your hot, then your cold... (Cainith)

[Tashe]

Before his mining whers had headed out for their shifts, Nautic had made sure that everyone knew Ximera and Ximask were in charge, for it was unlikely he would be going to work tonight. He'd been asked to teach a special candidate lesson by Farryl, and he had been more than happy to oblige. Perhaps he was a little relieved that it had been the Candidatemaster's assistant?... was that what poor Farryl was?... and not the candidatemaster herself. Nautic wasn't going to lie, Elisabeta scared him. A lot actually. But! Either way, he wouldn't have to see her tonight, which was plus. He'd been assigned a Candidate by the name of Cainith.

"Such a funny name, don't you agree Nautsk?" The small Green Wher behind him uncoiled with a chirp. It sounded like he was a Dragon. Will her's be teaching a dragon to... ride whers? Nautsk managed to confuse herself. But that was impossible! A dragon couldn't ride Whers. "No, he's not a Dragon. Just a regular human guy like me." Well, no one was like Nautic. "And he has to be a nice guy, he's in to Whers. I wonder if he's another harper... We've got enough of them at the Weyr already. But our Whers tend to looove harpers." Nautsk snorted. She looooved Her's, and he was not a Harper. And many of the other Whers did too. "Yeah but you're the only one bonded to me lovebug. Its a little different." The Green twitched her wings in what had become the equivalent of a friendly eyeroll.

The Seniorhandler sat down on the blanket he had spread out, saving him from sitting on the already cold wet grass. "Why is it so cold?" Because the big cold was coming, was Nautsk's reply. "Winter is here already Nautsk. You just haven't noticed because the Mines are always hot once we start working." Rubbing his hands up and down the arms of his jacket, he was careful not to knock loose the white leather armband that had been strapped to his arm. The black pick and the black diamond insignia marked him as the Minekeeper, he reported to no one but the Whermaster. He controlled the outflow of precious Gems that came from Selenitas's Mines, some of which could only be found in the southern continent. But tonight, he was just the volunteer Candidatemaster, it was a nice if different change in venue. "Oh look Nautsk, that must be him cresting the ridge."

[Aftershock]

Cainith's boots made soft swishing sounds as they passed through the wet grass, making his way towards where he was told to meet the Minekeeper of the Weyr. He stifled a yawn with one hand, and perched on his head, Rollhead copied the move. Hearing the tiny inhalation from atop his skull, he grunted, saying, "You've got no excuse to be tired, Rollhead. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have had to do double chores this week, which kept me both from getting a good amount of sleep AND from seeing Ivy very much." Ignoring the irritation in his Goddess' voice, Rollhead responded, "Not Rollhead fault crazy bitchy teacher jealous of Rollhead. Rollhead is first servant of Goddess, crazy bitchy teacher must accept fact and move on." At the mention of Ivy, Rollhead's eyes went orange with confusion as he mindsaid, Rollhead not understand what Goddess see in Vinegirl. She have many runs, never clutch. Not fertile, cannot make new followers." Cainith was about to reprimand Rollhead, then decided to save his energy and plodded on in silence.

Cresting a hill, he squinted through the early evening gloom, noticing a man sitting on a blanket a couple yards down the hillside. As he approached, he waved a large arm in greeting, saying, "Are you Nautic? I'm supposed to meet with you tonight for a Candidate lesson."

[Ivy]

As if the mere mention of her name was enough to summon her, Ivy showed up in short order behind Cainith. She hadn't heard him talking to Rollhead - she'd been too far behind him at that point. A short jog brought her to his side and she beamed up at him, "Mind if I tag along? Figured I'd weigh my options in case I don't Impress at the next dragon clutch."

Blue eyes were bright and she didn't look tired at all, she hadn't had to deal with extra chores and had been able to nap earlier in the day. "Wait, I brought something for you." Pulling the bag she had slung on her back around she opened it and pulled out a large mug. Handing it over she grinned, "Its klah, should help wake you up a bit."

That said and done she slipped an arm through his and walked side-by-side with him up to where Nautic was waiting with his wher. "I still think they're ugly though." She whispered to Cainith before releasing his arm and making her way ahead of him to the handler. "I'm Ivy, do you mind if I join Cainith tonight learning about whers?"

She tugged at the jacket she was wearing as she waited for an answer, reaching up to fix her hat. It was cute, but covered most of her signature red-hair. Still, she didn't tolerate chilly weather at all so it was better to be covered up than to catch a cold and be sick.

[Tashe]

Nautsk reared back onto her haunches as Cainith approached tilting her head to the side in confusion. Was Her’s sure he was not a Dragonman? The questioning brought forth a chuckle from the human as the Green brought her front legs back down to the earth. Nautic stood to fully face the candidate and saw two things, one… that man was huge. Like, not just big, huge. The man was easily taller than both Dmitri and his Weyrmate, which said something in itself. The second was the girl on his arm. The Minekeeper wasn’t expecting another Candidate but knowing Elisabeta, he wasn’t surprised that someone else showed up. Raising his hand in greeting, Nautic returned the Candidate’s wave. “Yes, that is me. You must be Cainith.” With that out of the way he rested his palm on Nautsk’s head as she sauntered up to stand next to him. To the girl he said, “Of course not. You’re welcome to join the lesson as long as you’re willing to participate.” When Cainith joined them, he felt the little body that had wrapped itself around his throat stir. Absinthe had felt the presence of an unfamiliar Salamandyr. Her dark green head stood out between the locks of Her’s blond hair. Fortunately his other "salamandyr" was still sleeping soundly tucked away in one of Nautic's inner pockets. The Green hissed quietly into the man's ear.

“Alright well then, sit or stand its your choice.” He motioned to the blanket. “I’d offer you tea, but it looks like you came prepared, too bad. My teas have become pretty well known by the kitchen staff.” The Greenhandler let the two Candidates get settled in what ever way they wished before he began. “I’m Minekeeper Nautic and this pretty little Wher is my partner, Nautsk.” And in truth, he wasn’t lying when he called her pretty. The Green really could be considered cute when compared to most other Whers. “Since I’m not Elisabeta, I won’t have you guys run or fight or whatever she makes you guys do. I’m totally more chill than she is, so if you think of any questions during tonight, feel free to bring it up. I’m definitely willing to answer.” He glanced between his Wher who chirped happily at the Candidates, and the Candidates themselves.

Clapping his hands together he smiled at them. “So. I heard from Farryl that you guys got... a brief lecture on Flights. So I’m thinking that we’ll just start off with some expansion of that topic. Because Wher Runs and Dragon Flights are different in certain ways.” Crossing his arms, Nautic let himself fall against Nautsk’s neck, using her body to support his weight. “The similarities…” He put up fingers as he spoke. “The lust consumes you, there is no way to fend it off like you can in a ‘Mandyr run or a Flitter flight. At that moment you are unified in a way that can only be achieved in a Flight or a Run, you and your partner are one. Females run, males chase. The outcomes of the Run are the same as a Dragon Flight, ect.” He paused and cleared his fingers, restarting the count. “Differences. Wher runs are unique in the fact female Whers can be caught by Wildlings. Wildlings are Whers who have either lost their partner and have not Betweened, or were born wild. Anyway, the chance a female Wher is caught by a Wildling is small, but definitely possible. Especially if your Wher is full or half Wildling. Like Nautsk, she is a full blood Wildling and tends to regress during a Run so that her preferences are not muddled by domesticity, giving the Wildlings the same exact chances as our Domestic branch.” The Green crooned as she followed the conversation through her human’s mind. “I’m going to tell you right now, getting caught by a wildling does not give the female Handler an out lit. You seek out the closest person who your subconscious deigns worthy. I have woken up next to many a Wherhandler who have been nice enough to Runmoth for me.” The Green chirped in apology, and was reassured by her Handler in turn.

“This is why I encourage you to loose your virginity if you haven’t already. The sex that comes out of Runs or Flights is almost always rough and instinctual. Waking up after your first Run or Flight can be an unnerving or scary occurrence if you haven’t taken steps to prepare yourself.” Nautic looked up from the ground and focused on the two with a serious expression. “Which, I’m sure Elisabeta has said this, is why I don’t condone being a Moth to loose your virginity. There is no stopping, no waiting, no hesitation. If you ‘Moth and then decide suddenly you don’t want to, you will get raped. I suggest finding a friend who’d be willing to help you. If you can’t find one, older Dragonriders or Wherhandlers are usually willing if you present your position. I can name a few Wherhandlers…” He sighed as Piden’s face flashed through his mind.

“Also, if you already have lost is, then good. But, a word of warning… neither the Weyrlingmasters nor the Wherlingmaster will allow their pupils to have sexual relationships while you are in training. Once you have a dragonic partner, unless you are forced by a Mandyr, you’re not allowed to have sex. It confuses and frightens hatchlings, which may cause the poor thing to have mental issues that otherwise could have been avoided. The health and safety of the hatchlings are our top most priority. So get all your sexual frustrations or needs out now, then you’ll be able to survive almost an entire year of abstinence.“ Pushing off of Nautsk, Nautic adjusted his armband before stretching. “So, yes. Any questions so far? Concerns? Comments even? If not, I’ll go ahead and move onto our next topic.”

[Aftershock]

A huge grin spread across Cainith's face as Ivy caught up to him, and he accepted the mug from her as he responded, "Of course you can tag along. You know damned well I'm always happy to spend time with you." Rollhead looked down at Ivy, but knowing the Goddess' wrathful mood, stayed unusually silent. Taking a sip of the klah, and grunting in approval, he smiled yet wider as Ivy slipped her arm through his.

As Ivy introduced himself and introductions with Nautic and Nautsk were completed, Cainith lowered himself slowly to the blanket, unless it was not large enough to accommodate the three humans with his size being a factor, in which case he squats next to the blanket. As he listened intently to the Wherhandler speak, Rollhead popped his head up from Cainith's hair, noticing the emerald green head poking from Nautic's hair, his eyes glowing orange in interest. Sending out a thought to the green 'mandyr across the way, Rollhead asked, "Hello, pretty pretty. Have you heard of the Goddess yet?"

As Nautic finished his speech, Cainith cleared his throat at bit and asked, a bit embarrassed, "So, I notice you're a man, yet you have a green Wher. How does such a sex mismatch affect Runs and the lust that goes along with them? If, say, I Impressed a blue Wher, and... Nautisk, was it?... Ran, would you be forced to fend off advances from me? Or do your own personal sexual preferences still shine through?"

[Ivy]

Ivy settled down, sitting cross legged after the handler said she could stay. She listened as he spoke - she didn't know much about Whers and while she certainly didn't want to Impress one, she found it interesting. When Cainith asked his question Ivy smirked a bit, just imagining the smaller wherhandler trying to fend off the much larger Cainith was pretty amusing.

Eros had thankfully stayed asleep back in her room so it was just her this evening. She noticed Rollhead notice her, but he didn't say anything to her - she wondered why the blue hated her so. But Cainith liked her and that's all she really cared about. Fingers went up to idly braid some of her hair while she listened - she may have come across as being bored but really she just didn't like sitting still. Especially at night. Even though she'd napped, if she sat still too long she may get sleepy.

[Tashe]

Absinthe flicked her frill up as she was spoken to, her eyes narrowing with interest. This was a new little cousin, he positively reeked of baby. He didn’t know who she was… good, good. Little minion just waiting to be taken. Nasty ‘mentia might be real Queen of Salamandyrs, but Abby was Queen of the Wherhandler underworld. The Devil did not compare. Settling her frill down she crooned. Littleblue, hello hello. Goddess? I not know what that mean. Fortunately for Rollhead, the Green was not drunk, therefore she was sinfully coherent. Nautic had taken to keeping her drunk, just so he didn’t have to deal with the mayhem that Absinthe would cause otherwise. I know Queen, I know Lady. I know Master. Not Goddess. Enlighten Absinthe, may get reward if do.

“Close, its Nautsk. But good question! Thank you for bringing it up.” The Wherhandler smiled. “Think of it like this… Lets say your Wher is a Blue, his name is Cainisk and he decides to chase Nautsk when she runs. Cainisk will try and impress Nautsk during the Run just like you will try and impress me on our side. When it comes down to Runs and Flights, your sexual preferences go out the window.” He looked at Nautsk as she moved to say hello to the Candidates, making sure that she didn’t obstruct their view of Her’s. “When I’m under the effects of Runlust, I don’t care if you are a man or a woman, I simply see you as ‘Cainisk’ because I am ‘Nautsk’. Which brings us back to joining with your Wher when Runlust takes you over.” Nautic shifted his weight as he casually played with the end of his scarf. “As to fending off advances, that depends on what the Wher is like when they run. For example. When Nautsk and I are joined in Flightlust, we do not appreciate males getting too close or trying to force catch. The other Whers now know if they do, Nautsk will warn them and then dismiss them from the Run, effectively forcing them to end the Chase prematurely. If they don’t back off, Nautsk has been known to turn the other chasers on the offender. She‘s never turned on them herself.” He shrugged, hopefully he was doing a fine enough job of explaining. “But because you share your emotions through a strong channel during a Run, the humans usually mimic their Whers because the Whers are in charge. They set the rules.”

“So, in short… When I’m ‘Nautsk’, I want your attention, your praise, your compliments, and your everything. So even if I was a heterosexual bonded to a Green, I wouldn’t fend off your advances because I would want them. You‘re supposed to be chasing me after all.” Nautic put a hand to his jacket as Tizzy stirred with in his pocket. “You’ll find that the Wherhandlers are a very open group of people, seeing as most of the female Whers are bonded to male humans. Actually… now that I mention it… all the women handlers, with the exception of three, ride male Whers. So you have about a three in seven chance of catching an entirely female Wherpair. Three in eight if I include Eikane of Gold Eikask in the count.” He paused. “Not that I’m trying to scare you off or anything. Just giving you realistic facts! In a Weyr, this is part of everyday life. A wher runs, you end up sleeping with someone, you move on. Haha. I even think the people with the male Whers have it easy. Just because you’ve got a male doesn’t mean you’re gonna win, but if you have a female, you know you’re in it to win it. Plus females Run at least twice a Turn. Nautsk Runs maybe… four or five times a Turn? And I’ve got a Weyrmate. Which shows you that Runlust doesn’t run your life, its just a single everyday part of it. You‘ll learn more about substitutions and Flightmoths once you Impress.”

“Aaalrighty then! Enough of this boring, old sex talk. I have an exciting night planned for you… well… I guess I did have one, Elisabeta didn’t tell me you were so tall Cainith. Ah! But I wouldn’t be Nautic if I wasn’t a master of impromptu! Lets see…” He turned to his Wher who was currently busy nosing Ivy, wuffeling happily that it was just so very nice to meet her. “Nautsk, darling will you contact Zemaren and Zemask? He should do nicely I think.” Perhaps only a few scant moments later a Wherhandler pair leapt out of the Between and glided the remaining distance to the small little group. Nautsk, immediately ran towards the Brown with a bark, nuzzling and licking the male in greeting. If the Candidates had thought Nautsk was any bit large, they would now realize that the Green was absolutely miniscule. While Nautsk stood as large as a sturdy mountain pony, Zemask literally dwarfed her at a staggering height around 15 hands. Not only that, but he was thick and cut an imposing figure. For a Brown Wher, he gave average size Bronzes a run for their money in size.

Nautic waved at the man who dismounted, motioning him over before turning back to the candidates. “This lovely man is Zemaren of Brown Zemask. I think his Wher is strong and big enough to carry you.” When Zemaren joined the group, the Greenhandler smiled. “I need to borrow you and Zemask, yes? If you help you wont have to oooooil him toniiiight.” The Brownhandler cocked an eyebrow before running a hand through his hair with a sigh. “Fine. You better make this worth my time though, its my night off. I want some of your Redfruit jam as compensation.” The Harper turned and rejoined the Whers, coaxing Zemask off of Nautsk before he squished her.

“Yes! Alright guys, so my plan for tonight is this: take a little run on the whers, to show you how they move at different speeds, then a jump Between, don’t worry though, Zemaren and I will be guiding the jump, and then you guys will help us bathe and oil the Whers as a thank you for all their hard work tonight and I‘ll tell you a little more about the Night Sentinel itself.” He paused and gave the two Candidates a smile. “If you’re lucky, you might actually get to see some of the Night Sentinel at work while we run around. Sound good? Okay, Cainith you’ll be paired with Zemaren and Ivy you’ll be with me.” He called Nautsk over to them and asked her to explain to Zemask what their plans were for tonight. “Alright Ivy watch me as I mount, then you do the same once I’m down.” Seeing as Nautsk was very low to the ground, Nautic simply pulled himself into the harness by using one of the Green’s legs as a stepstool. He looked at the girl for understanding before getting down. He spoke as he waited for Ivy to mount. “Have you ever ridden a Wher before? It’s a lot different than ridding a Runner.”

~~

As Nautic was helping the Candidates, Zemaren adjusted the leg straps and other safety belts on his Wher’s harness so they’d fit the larger man. When he was done, the Brownhandler itched Zemask behind his eyeridge and asked if the Brown was bored. Oh no! He was not bored at all. He liked helping littleSeniorNautsk, she was always so kind to him and happy. Zemask loved being around the Green! He was more than happy to help her and stuff. Oh did he tell his yet what they were going to do? No? Well they were going to run around and then Between and then he was going to get bathed and oiled! It sounded like a lot of fun didn’t it, His? The Brown wagged his tail back and forth before rumbling at the very large man who approached them. Oh he was very big, littleNautsk was right. He is a Dragonman! Oh this was very exciting indeed. Zemaren on the other hand, rolled his eyes at his Wher’s genuine stream of emotions that continuously jumped back and forth. He’d gotten used to the Brown’s rather simple mindedness, and loved the male all the more for it. Extending his hand, the teal of his armband standing out against the dark green of his jacket, the Brownhandler offered it in greeting. “So you’re the reason I got called out of my warm room. I elongated all of Zemask’s straps for you, so it will be a lot easier for you to mount and stay on.”

“Alright, watch me as I get on. Then you can try.” Although Zemaren didn’t need the straps to get on normally, he flipped down the leather loop and put his left foot in it. Grabbing the front of the harness with one hand and the back with the other, the Handler swung himself up and onto the padded section of the harness. “Got it? Once you’re up here I’ll help you with the safety straps.” Sliding down, he stood by Zemask’s shoulder and waited for Cainith.

[Aftershock]

Cainith frowned a bit at Nautic's reply to his question, then grunted, "Well, I hope for the sake of whoever is around when my wher Chases... or Runs, depending... that I don't break them in half." Slapping his thigh and laughing uproariously, he gave a knowing grin to Ivy, then added as Nautic mentioned Beta's lack of warning about his size, "Well, I've never met anyone else my size in my 30 turns, so even had she warned you, I don't think you would have expected anyone quite as big as me."

Meanwhile, Rollhead chirruped at the green 'mandyr in the greenhandler's hair as he sent, "This Goddess. Goddess biggest, Goddess most powerful. I best servant of Goddess, blessed to be Bonded to greatness. Goddess treat worshippers very good, give great blessings. You should worship Goddess, too."

Watching in interest as the brownhandler showed up with his Bonded, Cainith heaved himself to his feet and walked over to the pair. Looking at the brown wher carefully, he rubbed his beard with one large hand as he said, "Well, he is a powerful specimen, to be sure. I've never had anything land-bound large enough to bear my weight before, though. If you want me to try, though..." Awkwardly attempting to copy Zemaren's movements in mounting the wher, he winced a bit as he slid his leg over the other side, hoping he didn't snap the poor creature's spine with his over 485 lbs. of weight and ruin this poor handler's life.

[Ivy]

A bit taken aback by the wher's friendly and affectionate nature - she'd always thought they were cold and standoffish - she pet along the Green's eye ridges as she nosed at her. Listening to the handler she smirked a bit at the idea of Cainith Impressing a male wher and then winning a Run in which the other handler was also male. They were sure in for a surprise. This thought almost caused her to laugh out loud, but she managed to give a controlled, quiet giggle. Then the Brownhandler and his wher arrived and she eyed the much larger beast.

Continuing to listen in silence she didn't stir from her spot until Nautic said they'd be going for a ride. He mentioned it was different than riding a runner - which she'd assume it would be. They weren't built the same, after all. And his Green was low to the ground. She stood and watched as he mounted on his Green and she mimicked his movements, settling in behind him and doing the straps. Smiling she looked over to see Cainith's progress - even on the large Brown he looked huge and somewhat awkward.